Improving Healthcare of Older Filipinos
The Baseline Survey for the National Objectives of Health (BSNOH) research done by the UP Manila NIH and DOH revealed that of the 2,690 older persons surveyed, only 0.3 percent ever had a Geriatric Health Screen. The number of elderly who had screening for geriatric syndromes such as urinary incontinence, memory and affective illnesses was less than 5 percent. The BSNOH Survey also revealed that fewer that 10 percent had their height and weight determined, and only 15 percent had a hearing evaluation. Sixty one percent indicated that lack of money was the major reason for delaying medical consultation, and ninety two percent were without any form of pension.
Philhealth (PHIC) is trying to address this gap by creating responsive benefits that will address the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. These include a hypertension package, out-patient drug benefits, home peritoneal dialysis. PHIC plans to invest in long-term care bundle payments for post hospital care, integration of acute care and some coverage into one delivery system. In the open forum that followed, issues raised included the difficulty in Philhealth reimbursement of all members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team, and the lack of coverage for nursing home and home care.
